I remember sitting in the bunkhouse in the wintertime, the smell of wood smoke and Bull Durham tobacco, late in the afternoon, waiting for the cook to ring the dinner bell. An old buckaroo sitting on a wooden chair tying buttons on a set of rawhide reins, a new Garcia spade bit with a new headstall hanging from a nail on the wall, awaiting ...
I remember sitting in the bunkhouse in the wintertime, the smell of wood smoke and Bull Durham tobacco, late in the afternoon, waiting for the cook to ring the dinner bell. An old buckaroo sitting on a wooden chair tying buttons on a set of rawhide reins, a new Garcia spade bit with a new headstall hanging from a nail on the wall, awaiting final assembly. I remember thinking, “I have no idea how or why that works in a horse’s mouth, but I sure want one!” Well, it’s been about 35 years and I’m still wondering . . .
Last fall, Dr. Brian Peck of Great Basin Equine and I were Bangs vaccinating heifers, and we got in a discussion concerning equine dentistry and how various styles of bits might influence a horse’s mouth. Dr. Peck suggested I bring a selection of bridles and a couple of horses to their clinic in Gardnerville, NV. “We’ll take some radiographs and see if we can answer some questions.”
Our goal through radiograph and photography is to show how a horse holds various bits in his mouth and how the teeth, tongue and bars might be affected. Also, how preventative and comprehensive dental care at an early age could improve a horse’s performance and quality of life.
To accomplish this project Dr. Peck provided the clinic and radiographs along with his expert knowledge of equine anatomy, physiology and dental care. I supplied the horses and bridles, and we enlisted the help of legendary horseman Bobby Ingersoll to interpret this information from the viewpoint of a professional horseman.
The key lies in the jaw
Now … before we get started takin’ pictures, we need to have a basic understanding of equine cranial anatomy and the dynamics of the equine mouth.
To function properly, the horse’s lower jaw must move forward, backward, left and right. Freedom of movement in the lower jaw is critical to allow freedom of movement throughout the horse’s body.
The Temporal Mandible Joint (TMJ), or jaw hinge joint, houses approximately one-third of the horse’s proprioceptors, small sensory organs that receive stimuli from the body and relay it back to the brain allowing the horse to maintain equilibrium and move properly. Incisors, molars and molar tables must be balanced, and this in turn provides balance to the TMJ.
Freedom of movement in the lower jaw is critical to allow freedom of movement throughout the horse’s body.
This knowledge would lead us to assume freedom of movement and balance start in the horse’s mouth. If you assumed that, you’re absolutely right.
“Proper balance of the teeth is essential for the horse to be comfortable and move correctly,” stated Bobby. “It’s a misconception that only old horses need dental care. Truth is, the mouth of a young horse 6 years and under goes through tremendous change; deciduous teeth are shed, being replaced by permanent ones. It’s important that these young horses have a thorough oral exam to correct any problems. Many horsemen today prefer to have the first premolars rounded and sloped back slightly, creating what is known as a bit seat.”
“The bit seat process,” explains Dr. Peck, “removes any sharp edges to prevent soft tissue damage that may occur when introducing the snaffle bit.” Bobby agrees that the horse’s mouth is the most sensitive part of the body. The bars, being the most sensitive part of the mouth, have only the tongue to protect them.
Need more bits?
Dr. Peck explained that the individual horse’s mouths vary in physical characteristics: Thickness of the tongue, height and shape of the pallet, presence of canine teeth or lack of, and age, all factors that might influence how a bit fits in the horse’s mouth and how readily they accept it. “This variation in mouths suggest a horseman should have a selection of suitable bridle outfits,” Bobby concludes.
Routine inspection of the horse’s mouth is critical to his overall health and well being. A horse in pain through neglect or undetected dental problems may develop undesirable habits trying to compensate for pain. Often times this behavior is met with a more severe bit and a heavy hand. Give that horse the benefit of the doubt and examine the mouth.
Routine inspection of the horse’s mouth is critical to his overall health and well being.
Now, let’s compare the spade bit, a Spanish-style common to California and Great Basin buckaroo, and the curb bit, a Texas-style common to the Southwest and the brush poppin’ cowboy. First, we must establish the fact for any bridle to function correctly it must be adjusted properly. Often overlooked and neglected is the curb strap, critical to how any bit will function in the horse’s mouth. Bobby says, “Two fingers slack under the curb strap on the spade bit, one finger slack on any other style of mouth pieces.”
Spade / curb comparison
In comparing these two styles of bits, the spade works on top of the mouth and the curb works on the bottom. “Should injury occur, the pallet may heal but the bars may not recover,” states Bobby.
The photo and radiographs tell the story. Also important, we must have an understanding of equine anatomy, physiology and dentistry. Equine dental health has progressed substantially in recent years. Advancements in technique, dental equipment and improved drugs means a higher degree of quality dental care.
With today’s advancements, veterinarians and equine dentists are able to identify and correct potential problems that might affect a horse’s health or ability to perform. It is a quality of life issue for both horse and horseman.
As for me, I’m 35 years late . . . I own that Garcia Spade bit and thanks to Dr. Brian Peck and Bobby Ingersoll, I truly understand the need for a balanced mouth, proper bit selection, time, patience and a soft hand!
About Bobby Ingersoll
Bobby Ingersoll made his mark on the National Reined Cowhorse Association at an early age. His highly successful career has spanned decades of winning titles too numerous to mention.
In 1996 Bobby was inducted into the NRCHA Hall of Fame. He is a master horseman in the traditional California vaquero style of “Hackamore to Freno” which he continues today.
Bobby and Sue Ingersoll live in Reno, Nevada where he continues a busy schedule of training and showing working cow horses, also judging NRCHA, NCHA and AQHA events.
Bobby recently published his book “The Legendary California Hackamore and Stock Horse”, available through Stoecklein Photography and Publishing, Hailey, Idaho www.thestoeckleincollection.com .
About Dr. Brian S. Peck
Brian S. Peck, DVM is a 1994 graduate of Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation Dr. Peck went to work for All West Veterinary Hospital in Bozeman, Montana for five years. In 1999 he moved to Gardnerville, Nevada to become a partner in Great Basin Equine Medicine & Surgery, Inc. Although Dr. Peck enjoys all aspects of equine veterinary medicine, he has a special interest in equine dentistry. Visit www.horsedocs.com for more.
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